Finding the right location is one of the biggest steps in your practice ownership journey. It’s exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. In our Grow Community webinar, Where dreams meet doors – choosing the location for your practice, our panel shared clear, real-world insights to help you move forward with confidence.

Here are the top 10 takeaways:

1. Get legal eyes on anything you sign
Julian Whitehead (Whitehead Legal) reminded us that even early documents (like heads of agreement) can lock you in. Don’t sign until a lawyer checks the conditions and exit clauses.

2. Check zoning and council rules first
Just because a site “looks right” doesn’t mean it’s approved for dental use. Confirm dental use, chair limits, permits and parking requirements before committing.

3. Start with your end goal
Ben Marcos (BusiHealth) encouraged owners to choose sites that match where the practice is headed — not just where it starts. Define your long-term vision, then shortlist properties that fit it.

4. Use a simple viability filter
Test every site for: council viability, building suitability and commercial sense.

5. Let data guide your suburb choice
A familiar area isn’t always a viable one. Check demand, competition and demographics before you fall in love with a postcode.

6. Know the difference between buying and leasing
Karan Tyrrell (Credabl) outlined the real trade-off: buying builds long-term equity; leasing gives flexibility and lower upfront costs. Choose based on your future plan, not just today’s budget.

7. Structure finance as one big plan
Property, fit-out and equipment shouldn’t be funded in silos. Map the full cost picture early and structure finance to protect cash flow.

8. Design around the patient journey
Louise Howlett (Prime Practice) shared a simple starting point: How do you want patients to feel? Plan the experience first, then build the space backwards from that.

9. Prioritise access and flow
Parking, transport and easy navigation affect loyalty more than most owners expect. If getting there (or getting through the practice) feels hard, patients will not stay.

10. Match insurance to the property type and stage
Evan Krawitz (Experien Insurance Services) flagged a common risk: wrong cover for conversions or fit-outs. Review insurance at each stage — especially when changing property use.

There’s no “perfect” property — but there is a smart process. When you cover legal basics early, validate with data, plan finance properly and design around experience, you set your practice up for long-term success.

If you’d like to revisit the full conversation, the webinar recording will be available to Grow Community members soon.

Not a member yet?
Join the Grow Community today and gain access to the replay, these resources and more benefits designed to help your practice thrive – membership is FREE* for a limited time. Contact us for more information or click here to join the community where dental professionals thrive!

DISCLAIMER: The Grow Community is operated by Grow Management Pty Ltd ABN [55617707212] (“Grow”), a subsidiary of the Credabl Group. Neither Grow nor Credabl accept any responsibility or liability for goods or services supplied by Grow Community network partners. The information provided is general in nature and we have not taken into account your personal objectives or financial circumstances or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this information you should consider if it is suitable for your personal circumstances. Please seek your own independent legal, financial, tax or other advice before deciding to use any goods or services supplied by a Grow Community network partner. *Membership to the Grow Community is subject to our Terms and Conditions available here.